Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal

Courtesy of Michael Gardner/Instagram

Professional alpine climber has died at age 32 following a fall.

Radner and his longtime climbing partner, , were trekking up the Jannu East Mountain in Nepal on Monday, October 7, when the incident took place. Arc’teryx clothing company, who sponsored Gardner, confirmed his death the following day — and noted the tragic coincidence that Radner’s father, also a professional climber, died under similar circumstances.

“Mike was a proud second-generation Exum Guide. Born in Ridgway, CO, he spent his childhood chasing his dad from the Tetons to Nepal, and everywhere in between,” the brand shared via Instagram on Tuesday, October 8. “He lost his father in a climbing accident when he was 16, a moment that reset the way he viewed the mountains and guided his trajectory ever since.”

The brand said they were “grateful to report” that Hennessey was safe following Gardner’s fall. The company called Gardner “everyone’s favorite person” as they further remembered the athlete.

Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2024: Stars We Lost This YearHollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]

“He was curious and loving. He had a smile and way about him that drew you in. He loved sharing knowledge and truly engaging in human interaction,” they continued. “A skateboarder, skier, climber, enthusiastic skijorer, writer and mountain guide, he refused to be boxed in by any label and pursued anything that intrigued him.”

Arc’teryx noted that it would “take pages and pages to list Mike’s accomplishments” but noted that he would “leave a lasting impact” on them.

“He wasn’t one to boast, had no ego to mention, and was a true climber’s climber. He was a bright light in any room he entered and made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered,” they continued, in part. “His motivations were pure; to push the boundaries of sport, and do it with ethics, style and homage to those who came before.”

As they concluded their obituary, the brand stated that Gardner’s “legacy will be everlasting.”

Related: Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of All TimeUs Weekly looks back at the stars who died before their time, including Amy Winehouse, Prince and Whitney Houston — see the most shocking celeb deaths

Further details about the incident ahead of Gardner’s death have yet to be revealed. However, this marked his third attempt to descend the mountain, which stands at over 24,500 feet tall.

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Gardner is survived by his mom, , and sister .

Nearly one month prior to his death, Gardner shared his final Instagram post, posting a photo alongside Hennessey.

“It felt like a short summer season between the expeditions. But my cup is full and I’m ready for the next chapter,” he wrote. “I had plenty of sunshine, good times and connections with family and friends. So very excited and grateful to be questing back into the big hills with my dude @hennesseysamuel. Teeth to the Wind.”

Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal

Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal

Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal

Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal

Professional Alpine Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 After Fall in Nepal